Deontay Wilder wasted no time in calling out Anthony Joshua after securing a split decision victory over Derek Chisora at London's O2 Arena on Saturday.
In a dramatic post-fight moment, the 40-year-old American heavyweight walked directly past Joshua—who was ringside supporting his friend Chisora—and delivered a clear message: "Let's do it." As Wilder walked away, he could be heard adding, "He's scared."
Wilder later addressed the exchange, stating, "It wasn't a few words, I dapped it up with him and I said: 'Now let's get it on.' I'm ready for whoever, long as these guys are in the heavyweight division, I am here. You can call me Mr Clean, because I want to clean up the whole division. The division is nothing without Deontay Wilder."
Joshua, 36, has remained relatively quiet since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria on December 29 that killed two of his friends. He sustained minor injuries in the accident. His last fight was on December 19, when he stopped YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in the sixth round, improving his record to 29 wins and four defeats.
After that victory, Joshua expressed interest in facing long-term rival Tyson Fury next. Fury recently ended his latest retirement spell, announcing a return to fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on April 11.
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, commented on the potential matchup, telling Fight Hub TV, "He said 'let's do it', AJ sort of stared at him ice cold, but he would fight him no problem." Hearn had previously mentioned to DAZN before the fight that while the focus had been on making the Fury fight, Joshua acknowledged that a strong performance from Wilder could open the door to a major bout between them.
Wilder's victory over Chisora marks his 45th win in 50 professional fights, though he has faced challenges in recent years following his trilogy with Fury. After a draw in their first bout in 2018, Wilder lost his WBC heavyweight title in the 2020 rematch and then lost the third fight as well.
A Joshua-Wilder fight had been scheduled for 2024 but fell through after Wilder suffered an unexpected loss to Joseph Parker.
Wilder also mentioned he may have a small fracture in his hand following Saturday's bout, though he remains focused on future challenges in the heavyweight division.